Bishop Isaac Jenkins Sr.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Born on January 6, 1931 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Reverend Silver M. and Joanna Jenkins and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, Isaac Jenkins, Sr. was the sixth of seven children born of this union. He peacefully transitioned from labor to reward at 1:45 am on Monday, July 24, 2023, at Tidal Health in Salisbury, Maryland, with his daughter, Rotunda (Bunky) by his side. He was confident and willing to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. After receiving his early, formal education in the public schools of Portsmouth, Virginia, Isaac studied at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland and later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Antioch College in Baltimore, Maryland. Following that he earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from Burton College and Seminary in Manitou Springs, Colorado and later received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree from the National Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Although Isaac accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in 1943, it was during his service to our country in the United States Marine Corps in 1953, during the Korean War, that he heeded the call of the Lord to preach the gospel. The following year, on August 1, 1954, he was united in holy matrimony to the late Nancy Ann Daughtry Jenkins, with whom he shared more than forty glorious years. THE CALL ON HIS LIFE On October 1, 1960, Isaac Jenkins, Sr. became Pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church (later renamed New Macedonia Baptist Church) in Pocomoke City, Maryland. Under the leadership of Reverend Jenkins, twenty-three ministers were licensed to preach the gospel and five were licensed and ordained as pastors. A new church was built under his leadership and paid for in 2.5 years. Bishop served as the Moderator for the VA & MD Baptist Association 1999-2002. In 2006, Reverend Jenkins was elevated during a service of Episcopal Consecration and became Bishop Isaac Jenkins, Sr. Fifty-seven years after the beginning his pastorate, he retired in 2018 as the longest-serving Pastor at one location on the Eastern Shore. This was a true testament to his passion for preaching, teaching, studying and sharing the word of God. He could quote scriptures and name the books of the Bible in order from Genesis to Revelation without having to look at the Bible. A recording artist who could sing and play guitar and piano, he loved music, but especially quartet singing. His favorite quartet was the Dixie Hummingbirds. In his early years, he and his brothers form a group called “The Jenkins Crusaders” and they traveled far and wide sharing the good news of Jesus through their ministry of music. He also recorded and published various sermons, the most famous being “Daniel in the Lion’s Den.” Others included “The Second Coming of Christ”, “A Fountain Filled With Blood” and “There’s A Way Out.” A SERVANT LEADER Whether you knew him as Pastor, Bishop, Servant or Friend, to know him was to love him. Humble, anointed, gifted and with a heart of gold and a passion for God and His people, Isaac Jenkins, Sr. has left an indelible mark and lasting impact near and far. In 1980, he was the founder and Executive Director of Save the Youth Crime Prevention Program, Inc., for 36 years. Bishop Jenkins made a difference in the lives of youth from all walks of life. Riding around communities with a casket on top of his car served as a deterrent from a life of crime for those not willing to listen and who were headed for trouble. A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART A community activist and resource for anyone in need, Bishop Jenkins served his community unselfishly and generously. Whether it was visiting nursing homes, hospitals, jails, prisons or going to court to advocate on behalf of someone, he did not hesitate to step in to make a difference. Christenings, baptisms, weddings, funerals and more, you knew he would be there if asked. From making provisions for free chicken by partnering with Tyson’s and Perdue, Inc. (this from a man who did not eat chicken and a preacher at that) to lending a helping hand whenever and wherever needed, you could always count on him to be there. He truly believed that love was an action word and he demonstrated love in all that he did. Bishop Jenkins was a loyal and faithful friend who developed and nurtured lasting friendships and relationships. Whether it was his morning talks with Deacon Leroy Clark and Sister Elizabeth Pugh, weekly calls from Reverend Brenda Peterson and Bishop Robert Starkey, daily texts from Ruth Leatherbury, Bryan Planter, Gloria Sanders and Reverend Elwood White, prayer calls with Bishop Weldon Johnson or just hearing an encouraging word to lift his spirits, he enjoyed the love, affection and attention he received from those who knew and cared about him. He enjoyed delicious meals from his members and friends and especially the Christmas Dinners at Mrs. Beatrice Jones’ House, every year. He also enjoyed dinners from Connie Mae Copes Crippen every Friday, weekly meals from Laura Spence and ongoing meals from Ann and Hazel Taylor. People loved to cook for him from Pocomoke to Baltimore. He looked forward to receiving delectable sweets and baked goods from Ralph and Gloria Sanders, all the way from North Carolina. WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT Never one to publicly flaunt his achievements or accolades, Bishop Jenkins deserved every good thing that came his way. From having a train station named after him on April 15, 2000, a choir named after him in 1996 and a street named after him in 2019, to September 26 being declared Isaac Jenkins, Sr. Day, he remained humble through it all. Some of his favorite gospel songs spoke about the life he lived: May The Works I’ve Done, Speak For Me; Another Day That The Lord Has Kept Me; When You Hear Of My Homegoing; God’s Got A Television; Let Me Lean On You and So Much To Be Thankful For. Bishop Jenkins lived his life by his favorite saying: If I Can Help Somebody As I Pass Along, Then My Living Shall Not Be In Vain. A strong legacy and everlasting memories of Bishop Isaac Jenkins’ legendary life will remain with: his four children, Gloria Ann Broady (Rusty), Isaac Jenkins, Jr. (Vickie), Cleveland Silver Jenkins and Rotunda (Bunky) Jenkins; ten grandchildren, Gerald Ogress Savage, Dion (Kishia) Jenkins, Tameka (Aaron) Perkins, Monique Broady, Ashley Thornton, Sheena Davey, Shayla Martin, Vanity Jenkins, Cameron Savage and Daquan (Toni) Collick; great grandchildren, Tiara Ingoglia, Gerald Savage, Jr., Aaliyah Savage, Johnathan Savage, Otis Waters, Tierra Finney, Terrell Waters, David Jenkins, Joshua Jenkins, Koraun Boatwright, Ronald McWilliams, Kareem Wilson, Jr. (deceased) and Aaron Perkins, Jr.; one brother, Leon Jenkins; five nephews, Rudy Jenkins, Alvin Mills, Marvin Mills, Barry Powell and Carl Jenkins; one niece, Jacqueline Starks-Blevins; adopted son, Ronnie Collins; adopted daughters, Barbara McBride, Cassandra Bailey and Tonya Scarborough and a host of family, friends and communities. Bishop Jenkins came to Pocomoke at the age of twenty-nine. About two years ago, he started telling Gloria that ninety-two was going to be his year. She didn’t give it much thought until his passing at the age of 92 which is 29 in reverse. God knew from the beginning what his ending was going to be and our dad was just trying to prepare us for what he knew was coming. To God Be The Glory!

Bishop Isaac Jenkins Sr.

January 6, 1931 - July 24, 2023